Justin Cuthbert and Julian McKenzie break down the Maple Leafs' fifth consecutive opening-round loss, while also appreciating Connor McDavid's heroics for the Edmonton Oilers.

Better is not enough for the Maple Leafs

The Eastern Conference Wild Card race is heating up as numerous teams vie for a spot in the NHL playoffs. With goaltender Ilya Sorokin performing at a Vezina level, the New York Islanders play a style of hockey that can cause problems for any opposition and might be the team the Presidents Trophy-elect Boston Bruins fear facing the most in the first round. On this week's episode, Julian asks the Zone Time crew which rule change they would advocate for if they were an NHL general manager in Florida this week for their annual assessment of the game. Trivia is also back! Do you know which Sedin brother finished his NHL career with more points?

Zone Time: Islanders the wild card Bruins don't want to face

The Maple Leafs lost two out of three on a Western Canada road trip and Toronto fans are not happy with the performances. To make things worse, trade deadline acquisition Ryan O'Reilly is out indefinitely with a broken finger, while John Tavares will miss Tuesday's game in New Jersey. The Leafs are locked in a playoff spot but some of their key players are playing below standard, notably defenceman Morgan Rielly. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian asks Omar and crew if the panic within the fanbase is really justified? They also discuss the post-trade deadline mood in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary and wonder which NHLer, if anyone, could host Saturday Night Live.

Zone Time: Maple Leafs fans freaking out, again

As the Eastern Conference contenders load up for the playoffs, Julian and the Zone Time crew ask what a first-round pick is really worth. They also wonder why things are so quiet in the Western Conference ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Zone Time: East loads up, all quiet on the Western front

Patrick Kane's best days may be behind him but the 34-year-old is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and remains a powerful offensive weapon. Kane is in the final season of the eight-year, $84 million contract but his no-movement clause, and his questionable defence may be dissuading teams from making Chicago an offer. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian and crew also ask if 'trade-related' scratches such as Jakob Chychrun&nbsp;impact a player's market value and discuss the implication of the Maple Leafs' deal for Ryan O'Reilly.

Zone Time: Is Patrick Kane undervalued on NHL trade market?

The Edmonton Oilers would have to send at least one of their talented young defencemen plus draft picks to the San Jose Sharks if they hope to add Erik Karlsson to a win-now roster. Reports suggest that Oilers' stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are keen for the team to trade for a puck-moving defenceman like Karlsson or Jakob Chychrun, even if it shortens their window of contention to the next couple of years. On this week's episode of Zone Time, Julian is joined by Omar, Avry and Arun to discuss all things NHL trade deadline, including the futures of Jakob Chychrun, Erik Karlsson and Patrick Kane.

Zone Time: Erik Karlsson trade would sell Oilers' future and that's ok

With less than a month before the NHL trade deadline, the Zone Time crew discuss the players on this year's market that teams should be wary of, and lessons learned about overpaying for playoff-type players. They also share their discontent at All-Star Weekend, react to Sidney Crosby's comments about the playoff format and decide if Bo Horvat's extension in New York will be worth it for the Islanders.

Zone Time: Which players are trade deadline red flags?

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he would take responsibility for his team's struggles and he made a blockbuster move, acquiring Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Räty, plus a protected 2023 first-round draft pick. On this week's edition of Zone Time, Julian and crew discuss the implications of such a huge deal coming so early ahead of the March 3 deadline, including what it means for other team's and trade value. Does Bo Horvat make the Islanders contenders and who will be the next captain in Vancouver? They also preview the lowly anticipated All-Star weekend and discuss the ongoing controversy regarding NHL Pride Nights and the wearing (and not wearing) of special warmup jerseys.

Zone Time: Islanders disrupt NHL trade market with blockbuster Bo Horvat deal

Bruce Boudreau is gone, Rick Tocchet arrives to a chorus of boos. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Sam Chang describes the fallout as the bleakest moment Vancouver Canuck's history. Julian and crew also ask is Darryl Sutter's style becoming outdated and do NHL free agents like Johnny Gaudreau have a responsibility to fans? They also discuss the small matter of the Boston Bruins remaining on course to become the greatest regular-season team ever.

Zone Time: Bleakest moment in Vancouver Canuck's history

In a strange press conference, Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford refused to give head coach Bruce Boudreau his full support. Following months of instability and rumours, Boudreau should consider quitting his post before his inevitable firing. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian and the crew also ask how much Cole Caufield is worth to the Montreal Canadiens. They discuss Connor McDavid's socks and his views on shootouts, and Omar starts the long road towards a first-round meeting between the Leafs and Lightning.

Zone Time: Bruce Boudreau should walk away

Yahoo Sports hockey writer Justin Cuthbert discusses the biggest storylines from across the hockey world. This feed also includes Zone Time, a podcast hosted by Julian McKenzie and featuring a diverse cast of #HockeyTwitter personalities that offers a ...

Yahoo Sports hockey writer Justin Cuthbert discusses the biggest storylines from across the hockey world. This feed also includes Zone Time, a podcast hosted by Julian McKenzie and featuring a diverse cast of #HockeyTwitter personalities that offers a fresh perspective on the topics that have fans buzzing.

Yahoo Sports Hockey Podcast

Share

Better is not enough for the Maple Leafs

More Episodes

VIEW ALL

Zone Time: Maple Leafs fans freaking out, again

Zone Time: East loads up, all quiet on the Western front

Zone Time: Is Patrick Kane undervalued on NHL trade market?